The message, obtained by The New York Times, reads:
“To Jeff — You are the greatest!”
It is signed and dated by Trump in October 1997, the same year the book was published.
This seemingly minor note has become a major flashpoint in the increasingly explosive saga surrounding Epstein’s infamous 50th birthday book, a leather-bound tribute organized by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s longtime associate and now-convicted accomplice.
While Trump has repeatedly claimed he had no involvement in the gift, The New York Times reports that he was listed among the “contributors” to the book. A letter from Maxwell included in the publication explained that the book aimed to gather “stories and old photographs” from friends to jog Epstein’s memory of “people, places, and events.”
“Some of the letters will definitely achieve their intended goal,” she teased. “Some, well… you will have to read to see for yourself.”
More Than Just a Note
This isn’t the only Trump-linked document stirring controversy. Last week, The Wall Street Journal published a claim that Trump submitted a hand-drawn risqué image of a naked woman, along with a cryptic birthday message for Epstein’s book.
The image reportedly showed a female figure outlined with a marker, and featured Trump’s signature scrawled in the pubic area. The accompanying text read:
“Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
The letter also allegedly included a fictionalized third-person conversation between “Donald” and “Jeffrey,” with cryptic lines like:
“We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.”
“Enigmas never age, have you noticed that?”
Trump has categorically denied ever submitting the drawing or message.
“This is not me. This is a fake thing. It’s a fake Wall Street Journal story. I never wrote a picture in my life,” he said. “It’s not my words. It’s not my language.”
Despite the denials, the damage to Trump’s credibility among some MAGA loyalists is growing. Many who once demanded the truth about Epstein are now questioning why Trump is so eager to dismiss the story and seal the files.
From “Expose the List” to “Move On”
The shift in tone has been particularly stark since Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that no Epstein client list exists, contradicting Trump’s campaign promises to release explosive information once in office.
In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Democrats of weaponizing the scandal:
“The Radical Left Democrats are doing everything in their power to distract and obfuscate from our GREAT six months of service to America… They are playing another Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax — this time under the guise of the Jeffrey Epstein SCAM.”
“Hopefully, the Grand Jury Files will put an end to this HOAX,” he added.
But not everyone is convinced. The WSJ reported that Bondi told Trump in a private May 2025 meeting that his name appeared more frequently in Epstein-related documents than previously known. Bondi reportedly advised against releasing more files, citing disturbing content, including child pornography and victim information.
Though presence in the documents does not imply guilt, the revelation that Trump’s name came up repeatedly — alongside other high-profile figures like Bill Clinton, Les Wexner, and Alan Greenberg — has intensified scrutiny.
Clinton, for his part, also contributed to the infamous birthday book. His handwritten message read:
“It’s reassuring isn’t it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing… and to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference, and the solace of friends.”
Clinton has maintained for years that he severed ties with Epstein well before his 2019 arrest. A spokesperson reiterated that position but declined further comment.
The Political Fallout
As Trump gears up for another bruising election cycle, the Epstein saga refuses to fade. What began as a campaign promise to “expose the truth” has now become a thorn in his side, with former supporters demanding transparency and accountability.
And with each new revelation — whether a fawning note from 1997, or a sketch of a naked woman — the question grows louder:
What exactly is Donald Trump trying to hide about Jeffrey Epstein?